Japanese Woman's Studying Abroad in Malaysia: Shopping

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Shopping at Malaysia's Central Market: Recommended Souvenirs Beyond Sea Cucumber Soap

Sea Cucumber Soap at the Famous Central Market

One souvenir that often comes up in conversations with friends planning their return from Malaysia or in guidebooks is "sea cucumber soap." Apparently, you can buy it at the Central Market.

One peculiar thing about Malaysia is that obscure local souvenirs somehow become popular among the Japanese. About sea cucumber soap, even a university student interning at my language school didn't know about it—quite amusing!

I usually visit trendy shops in shopping malls and see chic Malaysian souvenirs, but I've always been curious about the quintessential Malaysian souvenirs. So, I decided to check it out myself.

Central Market (Pasar Seni)

Operating Hours (Daily): 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM

Once you exit the Pasar Seni LRT station, the blue building you see is the Central Market.

By the way, Pasar Seni station is just one stop away from KL Sentral station, and the GOKL bus Purple Line also stops there. I know it can be a bit confusing when riding the GOKL bus, as it's sometimes hard to tell where the bus stops. However, this one usually boards and disembarks at the station's bus terminal, and it's usually the starting point for buses headed to Bukit Bintang. So, you can likely stay on it without any problems.

When I went on a weekday afternoon after language school, there was a group of Japanese high school students buying souvenirs. The staff prioritized helping them, which worked out perfectly for me because I got to explore the souvenirs at my own pace.

My usual shopping style involves window shopping first, getting an overview, and then returning to my preferred stores. So, Central Market was a place I wanted to take my time in.

By the way, on the second floor, there's a food court where you can have lunch or dinner.

Recommended Souvenirs?

At the sea cucumber soap shops, they approach you in Japanese once they figure out you're Japanese. Back in Japan, I used solid soap, but now I use a massive bottle of Malaysian body wash, and I have no place to put solid soap, so I didn't buy any.

What caught my eye personally was a shop called "Paper Adventures," which sells postcards.

I took the picture after returning to the dorm, so there's some reflection, but they're colorful postcards featuring Malaysian tourist attractions and dishes. They're adorable. You can send them to people or even buy frames to decorate your place!

Other shops sold similar postcards, but this shop had a promotion: buy 5, get 1 free, which made it a slightly better deal. Prices varied depending on the design, but most postcards were around RM3 to RM5 each.

Since they don't take up much space and don't weigh much, I highly recommend them if you happen to visit Central Market.

Rose Juice Memories

During a home stay in China as part of a government-sponsored program, my host mother once treated me to her homemade rose juice. It was incredibly delicious, but finding a ready-made version to enjoy in Japan proved to be quite a challenge.

Since arriving in Malaysia, I stumbled upon a similar product at a supermarket – Star Jus' Kordial Ros, essentially rose cordial. It's a concentrated, sweet rose syrup that you dilute with water or soda.

Quirkiness Factor...

I'd be lying if I said it didn't look a bit peculiar.

While the larger bottle (I believe it's a 2L bottle) is ubiquitous, I found a slightly smaller one during a recent trip to AEON and decided to give it a try.

When diluted with water, it doesn't quite match the homemade rose juice I had in China but it's surprisingly good. Since I've started living a life where English is the primary language and Malaysia's intense daytime sun often leaves me feeling like I need a sugar boost, this seems like a nice way to satisfy that sweet craving.

My Personal favorite – Rose Milk!

It almost looks like strawberry milk but it's actually rose milk. As I mentioned in a previous blog, I bought a large bottle of milk that reminded me of what I saw in New Zealand, so I need to consume it beyond just breakfast. Having it in the evening or during my homework sessions is perfect.

However, despite buying the smaller-sized bottle, it seems never-ending, and I'm still exploring other ways to use it up.

So, if you ever come across these rose cordials in a Malaysian supermarket, I encourage you to give them a try – they might just add a unique and delightful twist to your daily life!

My Beloved Snack: Stem Wakame

I absolutely adore stem wakame, a popular Japanese snack. In fact, I have a habit of keeping a big bag of stem wakame, a type of seaweed snack, on hand at all times in Japan. Before I realize it, the bag is empty; that's how much I enjoy it.

Over the past year, the burning question for me was whether I could survive without stem wakame or at least other seaweed snacks like regular wakame or konbu (kelp). To be honest, I can do without natto rice or tamago kake gohan (rice with raw egg) for a year (although I'm not sure about raw eggs, but I did find natto in the supermarket). However, stem wakame is absolutely essential in my life. I've even taken it with me when I went to China for a Cabinet Office project and during a homestay in New Zealand.

I did bring some stock from Japan just to be safe, but after spending a few days in Malaysia, I explored some stores to see if I could find any stem wakame. Here's my report.

Don Don Donki at Lot 10, Bukit Bintang

There's a Don Don Donki (Don Quijote) at Lot 10 in Bukit Bintang. By the way, everyone here says "Roten," but the guidebook "Lonely Planet" writes it as "Lot 10." Maybe "Roten" is how locals refer to it, and it seems more authentic (laughs).

First, I checked if they had the familiar stem wakame here.

They had many Japanese snacks and cosmetics, including dried squid and peanut snacks, but stem wakame was nowhere to be found. Perhaps it contains alcohol or something?

Since I had already made the trip to the store, I ended up buying facial cleanser, which can also serve as a makeup remover.

This store has self-checkout counters, which was quite convenient as I could take my time with the payment. However, when I was unsure which payment method to use among various options for card payment, one of the store staff came over and helped me complete the transaction.

Perhaps it's because this place is a tourist area, or maybe it's because it's a Japanese store, or possibly because I seemed a bit clueless. Many times in Malaysia, I encountered shop staff who were either very cool or laid-back, so this interaction stood out to me.

Seven-Eleven and FamilyMart

In Malaysia, there are also Seven-Eleven and FamilyMart stores.

At Seven-Eleven, they had Disney's 100th-anniversary merchandise displayed not long ago, making it quite tempting.

It seemed like FamilyMart had more Japanese products or international versions of Japanese products. I also searched here, but no luck.

Daiso at LaLaPort Mall, Bukit Bintang

Next, I headed to Daiso in Lulu Mall. While Daiso in Japan is known for its 100-yen products (plus tax), here it's RM5.90. I usually approximate with the sense of around RM1 = 30 yen (it's actually a bit cheaper, I think), so it turns out Daiso is a bit more expensive than in Japan.

But, Daiso has handy items that sometimes make you think, "I want that!" So, I ended up shopping there to get some essentials for daily life.

Japanese Daiso stores usually don't carry snacks, but this one had a section with Japanese snacks and food items.

And there it was! "Miyako konbu" series of "Oshaburi Konbu (Hamakaze)." It's not exactly stem wakame, but Oshaburi Konbu is another favorite snack of mine. I can easily finish a bag of these in no time.

So, the problem of wanting seaweed snacks seems to be temporarily solved. It's a bit more expensive than buying in Japan, but I'm thrilled that I can still enjoy similar snacks here.

The Quest for "Stem Wakame" Continues

While I've found seaweed snacks, I'm still on the hunt for stem wakame. It's not something I can't live without, but it would be a delightful addition to my snacks.

I haven't checked Japanese supermarkets known for their Japanese food selection yet, so I'll keep my eyes open and search for it when I have the chance.

Dr. Plant Quick Orchid Wrinkle Smooth Eye Cream

I often experience dryness around my forehead and nose, and I've been searching for a cream that I can use specifically for those areas. Recently, I came across a cosmetic product in a cosmetics shop that seemed impressive and caught my attention. It was the "Dr. Plant Quick Orchid Wrinkle Smooth Eye Cream."

The product comes in a luxurious white box, made of sturdy material, giving it a high-end feel. Initially, I thought it might be a Chinese product since it mentioned being made in a research institute of the Chinese Academy of Sciences. However, it turns out to be made in Japan, which gives me confidence in its quality.

About Dr. Plant

I had never heard of the brand "Dr. Plant" before, even though I frequently visit drugstores. According to their official website, the brand develops skincare products using high-altitude Chinese plants that have been used in China for a long time. They currently have a botanical garden in Yunnan Province where they conduct research. The brand's name was inspired by the desire to become a "doctor" for those with skin troubles. Additionally, the brand's sales contribute to nature conservation activities related to high-altitude plants, making it a sustainable choice.

Using the Eye Cream

Upon opening the box, I found the cream jar accompanied by a drop-shaped facial massager. I decided to try the cream one night after taking a bath, and a small amount spread well, making it easy to use. The cream has a pleasant herbal scent rather than a distinctive traditional Chinese medicine scent (though I'm not sure if there's a clear distinction between herbs and traditional Chinese medicine...perhaps just my imagination?), and it feels exciting to use.

About the Facial Massager

The facial massager makes a "boon" sound and begins to vibrate very finely when the round part shown in the pictures is pressed. By using it on the areas where the eye cream is applied, it helps the cream penetrate the skin more effectively. Personally, I didn't notice any significant difference solely due to the "boon" sensation, but I felt that using it on areas with poor circulation, such as under-eye areas affected by lack of sleep, made my eyes feel somewhat healthier.

The Morning After

Though it is labeled as an eye cream, I also tried applying it on other dry areas. The next morning, the cream did not leave a sticky feeling, and only moisture remained on my skin. There wasn't a drastic visual change, but the texture of my skin felt different.

Recommendation for Dry Skin

While I stumbled upon this eye cream coincidentally, I found it to be a useful item that can be used for both areas with dryness and areas with eye skin concerns when combined with the facial massager. I recommend giving it a try.

Concerning Dry Skin During Study Abroad

Although I purchased only the eye cream this time, I learned that they offer multiple items for different types of high-altitude plants. Since I liked the fragrance, usage, and concept, I might consider using more of their products in the future.

Additionally, I'm looking forward to seeing if my dry skin concerns, which tend to worsen during the winter, will improve during my study abroad due to the change in climate. In that case, I might have to adjust my skincare routine accordingly during my time abroad.

Should You Avoid Coffee During Menstruation?

It's often said that it's best to avoid caffeine during menstruation. Since coffee is a common source of daily caffeine intake, many people around me, including myself, opt for herbal teas instead of coffee during that time. Personally, I try to avoid caffeine altogether. While it may be tolerable if you regularly consume energy drinks, I choose to steer clear of those as well.

The reason why it's recommended to avoid caffeine during menstruation is because it has vasoconstrictive effects (which can help alleviate throbbing headaches for me) and diuretic properties.

While the vasoconstrictive effects can be beneficial for relieving my migraines, it also means that it impairs blood flow when I want to improve it, which can worsen menstrual cramps.

Additionally, the diuretic effect leading to frequent urination can potentially cause dehydration.

Personally, I experience severe PMS symptoms and menstrual cramps. Though I'm better at managing the pain now compared to my student days when I led a sedentary lifestyle and didn't use any painkillers, I still have to continue with my daily routine while visiting the gynecologist regularly.

Low-dose birth control pills were considered as a treatment option, but seeing my friends struggle with them and considering the good compatibility with traditional Chinese medicine, I opted for maintaining a "good feeling" through herbal remedies.

However, it doesn't mean that I completely avoid coffee. If I feel like I need it to function, I'll have a cup. But if I were to become pregnant in the future, I wouldn't be able to rely on coffee as easily. That's why I've been searching for a substitute for coffee, if there's any.

Non-Caffeinated Coffee: Is It Really That Good?

Here's where the problem lies—I'm a coffee addict. Typically, I have a cup in the morning and another when I need a drink during the day, be it from a bottle or as part of lunch. Although it's a small amount, without coffee, I feel like my life lacks excitement.

Especially when I skip my morning coffee, I tend to feel sluggish during the day, and my work efficiency drops.

Having a cup once in a while doesn't have much of an impact, so I drink it when I feel like I "need" coffee. However, if I were to become pregnant in the future, I wouldn't be able to casually drink coffee. If there's something that can replace coffee, I've been eager to find it.

This is where non-caffeinated coffee comes in.

Non-caffeinated coffee, also known as alternatives like chicory coffee or dandelion coffee, have been well-known. They contain no caffeine, making them suitable for consumption during pregnancy. They are plant-based and have minimal stimulation for the body, which has been promoted for a long time.

However, when I tried non-caffeinated coffee in the past, I found it unsatisfying. I once tried dandelion coffee during my period, looking forward to it, but it tasted like slightly stronger barley tea.

If that's the case, I'd rather have barley tea, which is cheaper. So, I gave up on non-caffeinated coffee.

When I researched other non-caffeinated coffee options, I came across reviews that mentioned they tasted similar to strong barley tea or were simply not delicious. These reviews made me lose interest, and I couldn't find any motivation to purchase them.

Tasting "Mayanuts" Discovered at Shibuya Hikarie

Then, around Valentine's Day or White Day, next to an event featuring chocolate sales at Shibuya Hikarie, there was an event showcasing fair-trade food products, mainly chocolates.

It was at that event that I was introduced to "Mayanuts."

Mayanuts refers to the edible seed of the Ramon tree, which has been used for food since the ancient Mayan civilization in Guatemala. The company that handles it in Japan named it "Mayanuts."

It is marketed as a superfood containing all essential amino acids (9 types) and 10 non-essential amino acids.

At the store, I also had the opportunity to taste cookies dusted with Mayanuts powder. However, what particularly caught my attention was the coffee-like beverage made by dissolving Mayanuts powder in hot water.

Until now, I had been troubled by the taste of non-caffeinated drinks that resembled tea. But this non-caffeinated beverage made with Mayanuts powder actually tasted like coffee.

Of course, since it's not made from coffee beans, the taste is slightly different. However, it has a pleasant bitterness, a relatively dark color, and gives me a feeling similar to drinking coffee.

Since I liked it, I bought some to try for a while and have been drinking it occasionally when I want a coffee-like drink during menstruation or at night. I find that I have fewer instances of desperately craving coffee during days when I have menstrual pain. So, I consider it a good purchase.

Continuously Searching for Available Items in Malaysia

While I can bring what I eat and drink in Japan for PMS and menstrual-related issues to Malaysia, my study abroad destination, I prefer to choose items that are readily available there. It's also a fun part of my study abroad preparations to search for these items, which will enhance my vocabulary related to the topic.

I won't be able to try them until I actually arrive there, but I enjoy searching for them as part of my study abroad preparations.

New Model "OPPO Reno 9A"

After writing a blog post expressing my anticipation for the release of a new smartphone model, OPPO JAPAN announced the release.

There were even teasers before the announcement, adding to the anticipation surrounding OPPO's new device. As expected, it was announced on schedule, bringing relief.

Finally, I made the switch to the OPPO Reno 9A, which was released on the 21st, June. Since I had been planning to upgrade my phone before studying abroad, my wish came true.

Overall Impression

When I purchased it from the official OPPO store on Rakuten, it came with the OPPO Encore wireless earphones.

While some say that the OPPO Reno 9A is not much different from its predecessor, the OPPO Reno 7A, for someone like me who had been using the Reno 3A, which is three years old, it felt like a continuous evolution.

As an average person who is not particularly knowledgeable about smartphones, I would like to record my thoughts on three key points this time.

Long Battery Life

Just like the OPPO Reno 3A, OPPO smartphones have excellent battery life. Moreover, they are designed to have long-lasting batteries. In the past, I often considered upgrading my phone due to battery issues after about two years, but with OPPO, I was able to use my previous phone without stress until the end. Since my previous phone had the same feature, I have high expectations for the battery life of the Reno 9A.

Also, it might be due to my change in usage after leaving my parents' house, but I appreciate that the charging cable is thicker and less prone to breakage. When I had an iPhone, I had to twist and turn the charging cable to find the right direction to charge without disconnecting it.

Dual Camera and Selfie Camera Simultaneous Shooting

There was a feature that I wondered about when I saw the advertisements: the ability to simultaneously shoot with the rear and front cameras.

As the name suggests, when taking a photo, the screen splits into two, allowing you to capture images from both directions at the same time. In the ads, two people were taking pictures together, and I thought, "That would be great."

But maybe it could be the savior for solo travelers as well. Taking a good selfie with the background requires some skills, but with this simultaneous shooting mode, you can capture both the scenery and yourself in one frame. Moreover, the image quality from the rear camera is excellent, and you can include yourself in the photo.

Since I will have more opportunities to do things alone during my study abroad, I want to use this feature actively while being cautious of my surroundings.

Malaysia-themed Customization

I hadn't specifically set up themes on my previous phones, but OPPO's existing selection of themes includes an Asia series.

It's impressive to see stylish designs available for free and unique concepts that are not often seen in Japanese smartphones, which shows that it's an unique Chinese manufacturer.

And when I was researching this time, I found that there was a Malaysia-themed option in the selection of themes.

For the lock screen, there was an illustration of an open car passing in front of the Twin Towers. Additionally, when unlocking the phone, there are dedicated icons for popular apps like Instagram and Facebook. The pastel color scheme is cute but not overly so, which I liked.

Since I found this, I plan to keep this theme for a while.

Minor Drawbacks

However, not everything is perfect. One drawback is that the screen is large, making it difficult to handle with one hand.

For pressing buttons, using the one-handed mode and shifting the buttons towards your dominant hand can solve the issue, but it can still be tiring due to its size.

It seems like they are suggesting to operate it with both hands without pushing myself.

A Companion for Study Abroad Life

A smartphone is essential for shopping, payments, and taking photos. I often write blog posts using my phone as well.

I'm looking forward to it being my companion during my study abroad journey!

OMO Ranger's Neighborhood Tour

During my stay at OMO5, I participated in a local tour called the "Neighborhood Tour" led by the OMO Rangers, the staff known for their expertise in the area.

Blissful Girls' Trip in the Neighborhood: OMO5 Tokyo Otsuka produced by Hoshino Resorts

The tour was titled "Otsuka is full of charms! Neighborhood tour"（大塚の魅力が満載！大塚オタクと行くご近所巡り）

While visiting the shopping district, we had the opportunity to shop around, ask for recommended photo spots, and inquire about recommended dinner restaurants and shopping spots.

In this blog post, I would like to share my memories and the wonderful souvenirs I discovered during the tour.

1. Sen'nari Monaka Honpo

The first place we visited was Senn'nari Monaka Honpo. This shop is known for its an-butter monaka, a type of dorayaki (a traditional Japanese dessert) without the sweet bean paste filling. It is also called "Japanese Pancake" and was featured on a TV program hosted by Matsuko-DX.

As most of the products were sold out by the afternoon, I revisited the shop the next day to get some souvenirs for home.

The unique shaped monaka was adorable and heartwarming. I thought it would be a perfect farewell gift for my friends in Japan.

They kindly served tea and the monaka skins, so I took a short break there.

千成もなか本舗

2. A Spectacular Spot Where Skytree and Yamanote Line Converge

During the walk, I was introduced to a unique spot where we can enjoy the breathtaking view of Tokyo. Even though the weather was a bit gloomy that day, you could still see the beauty of the surroundings. It was the kind of place we would normally pass by without noticing, but thanks to the OMO Rangers, I got to explore it.

3. Yajima-en Tea Shop

Lastly, we visited a tea shop called Yajimaen. The shop owner, Mr. Yajima, who is a great storyteller, warmly welcomed us.

Their specialty is the Green Tea de Earl Grey, a drink made by infusing Earl Grey tea with Japanese green tea, resulting in a refreshing flavor. You can enjoy it at the OMO5 Otsuka café, and it's even available as an all-you-can-drink option during breakfast.

Since the tea bags are dry and easy to carry, they seem like a great souvenir for my friends studying abroad in Malaysia. Plus, if there are any leftovers, I can enjoy them myself.

お茶屋「矢島園」

Souvenir Dilemma for Study Abroad

I had a previous experience where I failed in choosing a gift when I gave a Daiso (a popular 100-yen store in Japan) fan to my host family in New Zealand, only to find out they already had an exquisite fan left behind by a previous Chinese exchange student.

This time, I am going to a country where there is also a Daiso, so I thought I should avoid Japanese goods from Daiso.

Besides, I have a preference for products with stories behind them.

And isn't it amazing to hear stories directly from the shopkeepers?

I'm not sure if Yajimaen sells their products on Amazon, which would be convenient even after going abroad. But I plan to buy some before leaving Japan, considering the limitations on bringing items with me and checking the import regulations.

Fragrant Scalp Care Brand "wicot"

Normally, I use the rinse-in shampoo from Ma & Me and occasionally add a treatment when I take a bath.

Although it's convenient to share it with my husband, I wanted to change things up a bit, so I decided to try the trial set of wicot. It came with a generous 7-day supply♪

How was the experience?

As expected from a fragrant scalp care brand, the scent was really nice.

This time, it was a citrus-scented shampoo, and the refreshing fragrance filled the bathroom, making bath time a pleasant and uplifting experience. I hadn't come across a citrus-scented shampoo before, so I was happy about it.

In terms of usability, I was delighted with the treatment's texture, which was a bit closer to a hair mask. It felt like it thoroughly penetrated my hair and scalp.

Actually, I had used a mud pack from Okinawa on my hair the day before, and I didn't have enough time to properly apply any treatments or anything, so my hair was a little dry.

Maybe because of that, after the first wash, it felt "reasonably moisturized." It worked well when I applied hair oil.

But come to think of it, natural cosmetics without additives can sometimes make the hair a little dry, so it's great that it still felt moisturized.

I'm looking forward to seeing how it will be after 7 days!

A Stunning Transformation in Just 3 Minutes! The "3min Kimono (Japanese clothes)" Making Activity Found in Kiba, Tokyo.

The "3-Minute Kimono" Activity

When planning a sleepover with friends in Tokyo, I was browsing through Airbnb activities.

Usually, I casually search on Google, but I found it interesting to explore activities that are not commonly listed on Japanese websites accessible to international tourists, such as local activities like food tours.

That's when I stumbled upon an experience of making a kimono that can be worn in just 3 minutes.

Let us make a kimono（Kimono is a gift）

The reason being, during my study abroad in Malaysia, I thought there might be opportunities to wear traditional Japanese clothing as part of cultural exchange, and I wanted to choose a kimono instead of a yukata.

While I had managed to put on a yukata with some effort, I believed that kimonos have a more elegant appearance and would be perfect for special occasions.

A friend I met through an international exchange program had mentioned attending a kimono class before boarding the Ship for World Youth, which further piqued my interest in giving it a try.

However, I was well aware of my clumsiness and knew that wearing a kimono would be challenging. Besides, as a working adult, I didn't have much free time.

Therefore, I made a reservation for this "3-Minute Kimono" activity late one night.

After making the reservation, I received a delightful message the next morning.

Surprisingly, due to the studio's availability, I could experience it on the same day. The location was near Kiba Station on the Tozai Line.

The Thrill of Kimono Remaking

Welcomed by the owner, Mio-san, the experience began.

The first step of the experience was selecting the kimono to remake. Choosing from a wide variety of patterns and colors was enjoyable, and I found a kimono that suited my taste. Trying it on, I couldn't contain my excitement as I chose a satisfying one.

Once the kimono was selected, we immediately started the process. However, the tasks were surprisingly not as difficult as I had imagined.

It started with cutting the kimono using scissors. The cut parts were then secured with hemming tape and sewn to create the section where the belt would pass through.

I have memories of spending a lot of time on French embroidery in my middle and high school days, whether it was the teacher's hobby or part of the home economics class. Since I could only make practical items like a bottle holder, I didn't have much confidence in my sewing skills.

However, this experience is designed in a way that anyone, even those who don't sew at all in their daily lives, can complete it without any issues. It seems that some people, especially foreigners, say they can sew but only with a machine. (Most of the sewing in this activity is done by hand.)

My Own Kimono!

And here is the completed my own kimono!!

Actually, there are people in the world who have strict opinions about how to wear a kimono, especially elderly ladies in Japan.

My main desire was to try wearing and showcasing a kimono abroad, and I didn't pay much attention to others' opinions. I don't care, and it's not worth worrying about.

According to the owner, "Even someone unskilled in tying an obi(belt) can appear more skillful."

While becoming adept at wearing a kimono would be great, it's also fine to find a way to casually enjoy wearing a kimono. It's exciting.

Now, let's talk about the cost of this experience. The basic fee is around 6,000 yen (depending on the booking site), with slight variations based on the grade of the chosen kimono.

I selected a kimono that cost an additional 2,000 yen. Considering the valuable experience, the opportunity to take the kimono home, and all at such a reasonable price... I feel a bit guilty about this affordable price.

By the way, to wear it in Malaysia, I will need to purchase additional accessories like a collar and obi. Actually, I can obtain the necessary items here as well.

For now, I'm thinking of checking out other shops and coordinating with easy-to-wear pre-tied obi. I'm planning to broaden my horizons.

Since I have grasped the basic process through this experience, next, I'm considering visiting second-hand kimono stores in Harajuku and other places to find kimonos. The excitement is growing.

Experiencing the charm of traditional Japanese clothing made me realize that even kimono beginners can enjoy wearing one in a short amount of time.

Kimono represents Japan's traditional culture, and its beauty and sense of uniqueness cannot be fully expressed in words.

I strongly encourage you to experience the allure of the "3-Minute Kimono" yourself.

There Are Jellyfish in the River!

Now, onto a side note.

Maybe it's because Kiba is close to the sea. There were jellyfish in the river on the way to the studio.

It's interesting how different places can be found even within Tokyo!

Destined encounter with my favorite character at Krispy Kreme Doughnuts

Destined Encounter at Krispy Kreme Doughnuts

While walking in a shopping mall, I spotted a Krispy Kreme Doughnuts.

I used to think they were everywhere, but lately I think they are just a little bit more common at the storefronts. I looked in front of one of these stores and...our eyes met.

Sesame Street Collaboration
HAPPY SWEET SESAME STREET

Since the end of April, Krispy Kreme Doughnuts has been selling Elmo and Cookie Monster doughnuts in collaboration with Sesame Street!

It seems there was a Sesame Street collaboration box if you bought it in a big box, but I bought it in a set of three. I had them for breakfast.

They look a little out of place because of the holes in the donuts.

It's not simply red or blue coded, but chocolate spray is used to make the difference, and the chocolate chip cookie in Cookie Monster's mouth is quite intricate and cute.

I've been watching Sesame Street since I was little, so I'm excited!

Personally, I'm very happy, but my husband was like, "Oh, I knew Elmo on his own, but does he have other friends?" I wonder if everyone knows who Elmo is. I'm a little worried.

I'm hoping that Krispy Kreme Doughnuts will do another fun collaboration with Elmo, as I sometimes have a craving for their original glazed doughnuts and other flavors.

No Worries About Changing Last Names! New Favorite Hanko with My First Name

The Dilemma of Choosing a Name for My Hanko

As I'm getting married, my last name will change.

Regarding my new last name hanko (personal seal), I had previously made one using a "Hanko Vending Machine."

However, I was a bit worried about using it for official purposes like banking transactions because it can be easily duplicated.

So, I thought about getting a new seal. But since I plan to continue using my maiden name for work, I won't completely abandon my old name hanko either.

Therefore, I decided to create a hanko using my first name so that I can use it in any situation after marriage.

Purchasing a Hanko from "Nishino Workshop" on Rakuten Ichiba

I chose to purchase the hanko from "Nishino Workshop," which is available on Rakuten Ichiba.

"Nishino Workshop" is a shop where two Kyoto craftsmen, Mr. Seiichi Inokuchi (hand-engraved seal) and Mr. Kiminori Yamazaki (hand-finished carving), make hankos by hand.

The deciding factors for my choice were the trial price, the craftsmen's hand-engraved seal, and the hand-finished carving! Moreover, the hanko comes with a guarantee, providing peace of mind in case of any issues. It's truly a hanko shop where everything I wanted is available.

When placing the order, you need to specify whether the last name or first name should be engraved on the seal surface. I initially thought I would have to provide detailed instructions, but the material and design are already determined, so you can easily place an order.

However, the delivery time is about one month, so it may not be suitable if you have an imminent need. But if you prioritize design and price, it's highly recommended.

The New Hanko Has Arrived at Home

Now, this hanko with my first name arrived at my home the other day.

Unfortunately, I can't show the finished product because it contains personal information, but it's amazing!

The black buffalo horn material feels more solid compared to the plastic seals I have used frequently in the past, and I like it. The envelope also contains a postcard-sized "Engraving Certificate," which serves as a commemoration of when I purchased this seal.

Since I will be using the hanko for various purposes such as marriage registration and changing the bank's registered seal, I hope it will be very useful and play a significant role.

Creating a One-of-a-Kind Wedding Ring at Yokohama Renri: The Result and Price

Want to Make Our Wedding Rings by Hand

When it came to getting married, I had always wanted to make our wedding rings by hand, even before I found my partner. I didn't have any specific preferences for luxury brands or flashy stones. I simply wanted a ring that would make me happy to wear.

When I expressed this desire, my partner found a shop called "renri" for me. Since I love the history and culture of Yokohama, he chose a store in Yokohama for us.

Renri is an atelier started by a jewelry designer and a ring craftsman, and its name evokes the image of "happily ever after" with the phrase "比翼連理" (hiyoku-renri).

https://renri.jp/

The shop (atelier) is located near either Bashamichi Station or Nihon-odori Station on the Minatomirai Line of Yokohama's rapid transit system. The building itself looks like an apartment, but as you climb the stairs, you come across the door to renri.

Design Process of renri's Handmade Wedding Rings

In the handmade course, we first decide on the design together with the ring craftsman in charge of design. We had a rough idea of the desired design based on the photos on renri's website and Instagram, but we didn't have a clear image in mind. In addition to photos, the shop had actual ring samples made of different metals and designs, allowing us to try on and discuss various options without worrying about sizes.

I had seen other shops where you could make rings by hand, but I thought this place was particularly meticulous and thorough in the design process.

Even with similar silver-colored metals like platinum and white gold, I could see the difference in shades when I tried them on, and I realized how patterns and color transitions could change the impression of the rings.

The art of ring making is truly fascinating.

Production Process of renri's Handmade Wedding Rings

Once the design is finalized, we move directly to the production booth. We were able to choose the color of the work apron to match our outfit preferences. Additionally, in the production corner, they had a display with our initials.

Now, what is that metal rod for? It serves as the prototype of the ring. We were able to handcraft the rings ourselves, shaping them into ring form and adding the design with the guidance and advice of the ring craftsman, even for someone like me, who is prone to being absent-minded and clumsy.

Though I was a bit nervous about using the burner to soften the metal, looking back at the photos, I was quite satisfied with the results. There were also parts where we used a hammer to shape and add patterns to the rings.

How Did Our Handmade Wedding Rings Turn Out?

Since we requested our names to be engraved on the inside of the rings, including the finishing work, it took about two weeks in total.

And here are the rings we received the other day.

The one without shine has a pattern called "布目" (nunome), an original design by renri.

According to the information from "Mynavi Wedding," the average purchase price for wedding rings is around 299,000 yen.

As for the rings we handmade at renri, the price varies depending on adding stones or additional work, but for designing our desired rings and experiencing the production process, it cost us around the mid-200,000 yen range for two wedding rings.

I think it's fantastic to be able to create rings filled with memories while also being kind to our wallets. I'm glad we chose to make them by hand, and I'm glad we chose this shop.

You Might Meet the Shop's Mascot Cat

By the way, you might have a chance to meet their mascot cats, Saku and Mitsuki. They watch over the ring-making process from nearby and are friendly and soothing.

Instant and cheap a hanko(name stamp) shop! Vending machine that makes stamps with the same name as your favorite character@ Don Quijote Ikebukuro East Exit

Instant hanko is needed.

I needed to get a new personal name stamp in order to use at the procedures related to my study abroad. I decided to get one made in Ikebukuro, where I could drop by on my way home. I appreciate the fact that there are many good hanko shops, such as hanko specialty stores and stationery shops, but they do not suit my needs this time.

This time, rather than a long-lasting one, I want to get a stamp that is so unimportant.

At the Don Quijote

Then I arrived at the 6th floor of Don Quijote Ikebukuro Higashiguchi Ekimae Store. This is where the stamp vending machine is located.

I had an image of Don Quijote in Ikebukuro as a place where people pass each other, and I didn't want to be making stamps while someone was staring at me, but on the 6th floor, the place was sparsely populated. When I went there, one of the two units was being used by a woman who had been there before only.

I made a stamp with a "hanko vending machine."

There are samples of stamp materials and cases, so the first step is to choose the material you want. The cheapest is a plastic one for 500 yen, and the vending machine will tell you the size that fits each purpose, such as bank stamp, jitsuin (registered stamp), and mitome-in (personal stamp). I chose the 1,000-yen stamp for its size and appearance.

After that, you enter the characters you want to put on the stamp and its font and style, and wait about 10 minutes for the process to be completed. Note that the screen keeps saying "30 seconds left," but it takes about 10 minutes.

Impression of hanko vending machine

The stampcomes out with shavings on it. If you lightly brush them off with your finger, a handkerchief, or a tissue, you will have a fine machine-finished stamp.

Since a name stamp can be purchased at a 100-yen store, many people will use that when they urgently need new name stamp, but for those who have rare family name, or for those who need to use a stamp for a higher grade application, I think the hanko vending machine will be useful.

You might think I am not embarrassed by a vending machine's product, but when I use it on a official document, I was told the person that "It is good one!".

You can make a stamp with your favorite character's name.

By the way, this vending machine is also designed to make stamps as souvenirs. Unlike specialty stores, you are not seen by anyone, so there is no need to be embarrassed about what you are typing.

It is also possible to have a hanko with the same last name as your favorite anime characters.

I thought about making a Viktor or Adele stamp too, but the "Yumekuro" character didn't have a last name, unfortunately.

Considering the fact that the same name will produce the same stamp with the same face, I am not comfortable using it as a stamp for bank, but it is good enough for daily use.

Do I need to change my smartphone before studying abroad?

I am an Android user.

My previous smartphone was an Apple iPhone from au. When I switched to Rakuten Mobile, I chose OPPO's Andloid smartphone because at that time it was a resonable way for the poor student.

When I went to China, I've heard that iPhones are made in China, and I thought, "Well, then the chinese one is almost the same as the iPhone. (Not real)"

I honestly had no trouble with chinese android smartphone, except Air Drop problem. I can't share photos with my friend using Air Drop function. In addition, no one ever said "Let's OPPO SHARE" to me.

My impression of the OPPO phone

Since I got the model with the long-lasting battery, I don't have any trouble playing a lot of games. The only personal inconveniences are the aforementioned Air Drop and the difficulty to get the covers.

I want to the new smartphone

At the end of the year, a person who is about to be transferred overseas on the same working place told me that he had replaced his smartphone.

My phone's battery life hasn't gone down and I'm fine with it as it is, but I'll be taking pictures in Malaysia, and I'm thinking of changing my phone before I go abroad.

I think I'll stay with Android and if I can find a good model, I'll get the same OPPO as I have now. The reason why is because besides the ease of use, it seems to cause less damage if it gets scratched or taken.

I heard that there are some bad people who target travelers' phones because iPhone is still a luxury item. Before I worry about such crimes, I could make a mistake and scratch your phone yourself.

Chinese Android phones are not cheap, but they are cheaper than iPhones, so I can probably get over it by getting a new phone or having it repaired locally with less financial and psychological damage.

I looked at the cell phone company's website and found that they only carry slightly older models, so I think I'll wait a little longer to see if any new models come out before I make a move.

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Central Market (Pasar Seni)

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Want to Make Our Wedding Rings by Hand

Design Process of renri's Handmade Wedding Rings

Production Process of renri's Handmade Wedding Rings

How Did Our Handmade Wedding Rings Turn Out?

You Might Meet the Shop's Mascot Cat

Instant hanko is needed.

At the Don Quijote

I made a stamp with a "hanko vending machine."

Impression of hanko vending machine

You can make a stamp with your favorite character's name.

I am an Android user.

My impression of the OPPO phone

I want to the new smartphone

Recommended Reading

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Sesame Street Collaboration
HAPPY SWEET SESAME STREET